Marcus North led from the front to guide Western Australia to a five-wicket win over New South Wales in their Twenty20 Big Bash encounter in Sydney. North scored an unbeaten 45, and put on a vital 65-run stand with Adam Voges to put the chase on track after the loss of two quick wickets.

Set 149 to win, Western Australia were fast out of the blocks with Shaun Marsh hitting five fours and a six in a 19-ball 31. Luke Pomersbach fell early to Nathan Bracken, who conceded only 24 in his four overs. Marsh and Theo Doropoulos were dismissed in the space of five balls, but North found support in Voges who hit four boundaries in his 39.

When Aaron Bird trapped Voges leg-before in the 15th over, Western Australia still needed another 39. Bracken added to the worries by getting rid of Craig Simmons, but North stayed till the end to see his team home with five balls to spare.

Western Australia also improved on their performance in the field, after having conceded 182 against South Australia in their first game. Umar Gul collected 4 for 15 in that game, but he took some stick on Tuesday, giving away 41 for the lone wicket in his four overs. New South Wales' opening pair of Phillip Hughes and David Warner put on 38. Hughes top scored with 35, but the vital innings came from Steven Smith, who made an unbeaten 34 from 21 to take them to 148.